MAXXI {Museums in Rome}

The first episode of the last season of Mad Men began and ended with the song Is That All There Is? The last few shows I have seen here in Rome have been a little sparse, leaving me thinking the same thing. I guess when you are curating an exhibit for a museum in Rome it can be hard to compete with the city itself where everywhere you look is some kind of amazing ruin or architecture. Rome is a place where art is so accessible I often stop for a quick Caravaggio fix when I am running errands. Last week I hopped on the number 2 tram and went to the MAXXI, one of Rome's modern art museums to see Bellissima: Italy and High Fashion 1945-1968.

The striking Zaha Hadid building felt a little empty with an entire floor closed off and an empty space where the bookstore used to be. 

The Bellissima exhibit is on the top floor in my favorite space in the museum. There is a very engaging video installation intercutting scene's from Luchino Visconti's film with fashion shoots. There are gorgeous dresses by Pucci and Valentino. One or two cases of impressive jewelry by Bulgari and a few pairs of stylish shoes. I loved all of it. I just wish there had been more. 

Bellissima: Italy and High Fashion 1945-1968  runs until May 3. The MAXXI is open Tuesday through Sunday.